May 30, 2014

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READERS’ CHOICE AWA R D S

ATTRACTIONS  EVENTS  SPORTS & LEISURE SHOPPING  HEALTH  RESTAURANTS SERVICES  AGRI-TOURISM  JAVA JOINTS PLACES TO STAY  CHILDREN  SENIORS  PET CARE

B2 • Reader’s Readers’ Choice Choice Awards Awards 2014 2014

Friday, May 30, 2014

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

Who’s on the list?

This year’s Readers’ Choice selections prove our readers do get around the Saanich Peninsula

W

hat a night!

Close to 100 people attended the Peninsula News Review’s 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards presentation at The Muse Winery on Tuesday, May 27 — certainly a record for the annual awards event.

And why not? There was a lot to celebrate as the PNR handed out the honours in more than 50 categories — all chosen by our readers.

It is the amazing people behind the counters of Saanich Peninsula businesses that make the yearly Readers’ Choice Awards such a pleasure to do. Readers were even given the chance to name their favourite customer service person from any business they so choose.

With close to 500 online entries and many, many printed ballots completed and handed in, this was a Readers’ Choice year to remember.

Not to mention the ties. This year more than any other in recent memory, readers’ votes resulted in ties among many of the categories. It goes to show that store owners and their employees are competing very well for people’s business.

This year was the ninth annual Readers’ Choice Awards. It highlights the favourites of Peninsula News Review readers, among the various tourism attractions, places to play, shops and charities and the individuals that make the Saanich Peninsula their home.

Readers were asked throughout April and May to fill in a ballot and name their favourites in a variety of categories. The top three winners in Steven Heywood/News staff each of them are listed, starting on page seven of Brooke Smith from Marigold Nurseries hams it up with PNR publisher this special section.

This special section is a great way to recogJim Parker during Tuesday night’s Readers’ Choice Awards night at The nize those individuals and businesses that have Muse Winery in North Saanich.

4

Steven Heywood/News staff

Maria and Dillon accepted the favourite band award on behalf of the Timebenders. The duo, who work at Haro’s Restaurant & Bar were frequent visitors to the winners’ circle Tuesday night at The Muse. impressed many in the community. They have gone the extra mile to offer excellent service or provide much-needed support in whatever they have chosen to do.

The PNR thanks everyone for being involved this year — from those folks at the register and out in the community, to our readers who were dedicated in their ballot entries this year.

Congratulations and enjoy this special section.

Steven Heywood, editor Peninsula News Review

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

Friday, May 30, 2014

Reader’s Choice Awards 2014 • B3 Readers’

All about community at Haven Spa and Salon Devon MacKenzie

started opening on Sundays to accommodate clients all week long.

“We’ve also been working on implementing specials for each month or season, so coming up we have a special on back facials and gel polish manicures for two for June which are perfect for grad and wedding season,” she said.

The spa, which was named the Saanich Peninsula’s number one choice for a Day at the Spa in the Peninsula News Review’s Readers’ Choice Awards this week, was also ranked in the top 100 in the Spas of America 2013 ratings as well as 17th in the Top 50 Canada Spas of 2013.

“I’m so impressed by everyone here, the staff take so much pride in what they do and that’s why they are so successful,” said Abraham.

News staff

Even though she’s only been part of the team at Haven Spa for two months, Manager Marika Abraham says she already feels like part of the community.

“The Sidney Pier Hotel is such a hub for Sidney and I already know so many of the regulars at the hotel, in the salon and at the spa,” said Abraham.

“One of the things that impressed me most about the hotel from the beginning was the sense of community here,” she added, noting during her first two weeks managing the spa and salon the Origin Fashion Show (a fundraiser for ORCCA, an organization that provides dental care for local, lowincome families) took place.

“I was amazed at how everyone came together to make it happen, the support was so huge and the energy and passion everyone had was infectious,” Abraham said.

Now, after having settled into her new position, Abraham is looking forward to a busy summer at the salon and spa.

Last year around this time, the salon was reno-

Devon MacKenzie/News staff

Haven Reception Supervisor Ashley Pistone and Haven Spa and Salon Manager Marika Abraham. vated and expanded and rebranded as a full Aveda salon with stylist Jamie Poll at the helm, she explained.

“His team in the salon is

wonderful and his enthusiasm for his work is inspiring,” Abraham said.

She added that Poll is already booked into Sep-

Thank you for voting for us!

tember and October and his staff are regularly booked solid.

“It’s been a great year for the salon,” she said.

Favourite Day at the Spa:

On the spa end, Abraham said the new Haven Polish Lounge has been extremely popular and the spa and salon have recently

1. Haven Spa 2. Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa 3. The Refresh Spa

Thank you for your continued support!

Christine Laurent Jewellers F ine J ewellery & G iFts Panorama Recreation is excited to offer the Play in the Park program for the second consecutive summer! This summer, make play a priority for your family and join us every weekday evening from 5:30-8:30pm at various locations in Central Saanich, Sidney and North Saanich. Staff will facilitate FREE fun for the whole family. Help us kick off the summer at our Play in the Park launch party from 5:30-8:30pm on Thursday, July 3rd at Rodolph Park.

Free BBQ dinner courtesy of White Spot and lots of great prizes!

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‘Watch & Jewellery Repairs’ 2432 Beacon Avenue , Sidney

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B4 • Readers’ Choice Awards 2014

Thank you

... for voting us as one of your favourite places for gussying up your garden!

Friday, May 30, 2014

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

Thank You ...for Your Continued Support

Marigold Nurseries

Congratulations to All the Other Award Winners!

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Congratulations to all of the Readers’ Choice Winners The management and staff would like to thank all of our customers for nominating Brentwood Pharmasave as their Favourite Drug Store Locally Owned & Operated!

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PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

Friday, May 30, 2014

Readers’ Choice Awards 2014 • B5

Sidney’s

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Readers’ Choice Choice Awards Awards 2014 2014 B6 • Reader’s

Friday, May 30, 2014

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

Business blooming at Brown’s The Florist Devon MacKenzie News staff

A year after finishing renovations in their Sidney store and only 8 months after opening a new location on the Westshore, business is blooming for Brown’s the Florist.

The Sidney location, recently voted by readers of the Peninsula News Review to be the Saanich Peninsula’s favourite flower shop (they also took the title in 2013), has been a landmark at the corner of Second Street and Beacon Avenue since the mid 70s.

“Last year this time we were swinging sledgehammers in here,” laughed owner, Natasha W. Crawford.

“The opportunity to renovate and expand was wonderful and we’ve been so happy with the new space,” she said.

The shop took over the space next door to them that used to house a jewellery store. When the shop closed and the space became vacant, Crawford approached the landlords and got the ball rolling.

The shop’s facelift included new floors, windows, awnings and coolers. The small family business also adopted a new point of sale system that is state of the art and combines all the sales and orders from their web store with the sales and orders from their brick and mortar stores.

“It’s been a learning curve getting used to the new system but we are the first shop in Canada who has this system. By learning it and using it in our shops we are improving the standards for other small business florists in Canada. It’s really important for small businesses to have this type of technology,” Crawford said.

The newest location in Langford on Jack-

Devon MacKenzie/News staff

Kathy Blaine, manager of Brown’s the Florist in Sidney sits with Natasha W. Crawford, owner, and the most recent addition to the Brown’s family, Carter Brown Crawford, Natasha’s twelve-week-old son. lin Road (they also have a location in downtown Victoria on Fort Street) had been in Crawford’s plans for the last five years but only recently came to fruition.

“We had actually looked at the same space in 2008 but it just wasn’t the right time for us to expand,” explained Crawford.

“Five years later the same space came up

for lease and the tenants weren’t renewing so the landlords called us first and we made the decision. The landlords were absolutely wonderful, we couldn’t have done it without them,” Crawford added.

She equates the success of her small, locally owned business to her staff and the company’s previous owner and Crawford’s

business coach, Christine Dysart.

“All my staff are long term team members with the company,” explained Crawford, adding that the Sidney store manager, Kathy Blaine, has been with Brown’s for over 30 years.

“Being a small business it’s so important to us to retain staff and customers. We’re so grateful for our customers in Sidney for their loyalty and support of our small business since the mid 70s.”

The company is also committed to supporting other local businesses and prides themselves on using over 75 per cent local flowers supplied from growers like Eurosa Gardens and Mount Newton Greenhouses.

“Everything over that 75 per cent we import fair trade,” she added.

Aside from being busy overseeing her three shops, organizing a new flower happy hour on Thursday and Friday nights from 4 to 5:30 p.m. through June, July and August, Crawford recently embarked on another new life adventure. She welcomed her son Carter Brown Crawford into the world only a few months ago and is already back at work behind the scenes of the business, with her son’s help of course.

“He already comes with me to work, he’s the newest member of the Brown’s team,” she laughed.

Favourite Flower Shop : 1. Brown’s The Florist 2. Thrifty Foods Central Saanich/ Sidney 3. Fiorenza Classic Flowers and Coleman Flowers (tie)

FARMING on the Peninsula since 1862

Thanks for voting us one of your favourites

Six generations of Michell’s have been part of the Peninsula community. We would like to thank everyone for their support over the years!

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Come see us for all of your fresh, locally grown produce!

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

Friday, May 30, 2014

Readers’ Choice Awards 2014 • B7

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ATTRACTIONS FAVOURITE ART GALLERY 1. Peninsula Gallery 2. Village Gallery 3. Gallery at the Arts Centre, Tulista Park

FAVOURITE TOURIST ATTRACTION 1. Butchart Gardens 2. Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre 3. Sidney Sculpture Walk

EVENTS FAVOURITE PUBLIC OUTDOOR EVENT 1. Sidney Street Market 2. Sidney Days Parade 3. Sidney Summer Sounds

FAVOURITE PUBLIC INDOOR EVENT 1. A Touch of Saltspring Christmas 2. Sidney Fine Art Show 3. LEGO at the Sidney Museum

SPORTS & LEISURE FAVOURITE PLACE TO BREAK A SWEAT 1. Panorama Recreation Centre 2. Peninsula CrossFit 3. Hot Mama Health + Fitness

FAVOURITE PLACE TO TEE OFF 1. Ardmore Golf Course 2. Glen Meadows Golf Course 3. Island View Driving Range

FAVOURITE HIKING SPOT 1. Horth Hill 2. Dean Park 3. Gowlland Tod Provincial Park

SHOPPING FAVOURITE BOOK STORE 1. Tanner’s Books 2. Beacon Books 3. The Haunted Bookshop

FAVOURITE MEN’S CLOTHING

FAVOURITE GARDEN SHOP

1. Mark’s Work Wearhouse 2. d.g. Bremner & Co. 3. Cottons & Blues

1. Marigold Nurseries 2. Dig This 3. Russell Nursery

FAVOURITE WOMEN’S CLOTHING

FAVOURITE FLOWER SHOP

1. Cottons & Blues 2. Miss Bliss 3. Mark’s Work Wearhouse

1. Brown’s the Florist 2. Thrifty Foods, Central Saanich & Sidney 3. Fiorenza Classic Flowers plus Coleman Flowers

FAVOURITE FURNISHING AND HOME DÉCOR

FAVOURITE GROCERY STORE

1. Lilaberry 2. Capital Iron 3. Muffet & Louisa

FAVOURITE THRIFT/ CONSIGNMENT STORE 1. Beacon Community Services 2. Salvation Army 3. St. Vincent de Paul

FAVOURITE HEALTH FOOD/ VITAMIN STORE 1. Sidney Natural Foods 2. Lifestyle Markets 3. Thrifty Foods, Central Saanich & Sidney

1. Thrifty Foods, Central Saanich & Sidney 2. Fairway Market 3. Peninsula Co-op

FAVOURITE JEWELLERY STORE 1. Christine Laurent Jewellers 2. Cameron Rose 3. JayLyn Jewellers

FAVOURITE FOR SHOES 1. Waterlily Shoes 2. Walk in Comfort 3. Mark’s Work Wearhouse

B8 • Readers’ Choice Awards 2014

Friday, May 30, 2014

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

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READERS’ CHOICE AWA R D S

FAVOURITE DRUG STORE 1. Shopper’s Drug Mart, Central Saanich & Sidney 2. Pharmasave, Brentwood Bay & Sidney 3. Rexall

HEALTHY LIVING FAVOURITE PLACE FOR STRESS RELIEF 1. Panorama Recreation Centre 2. Haven Spa 3. Peninsula CrossFit

FAVOURITE PLACE TO GET A BETTER SMILE 1. Dr. Neal plus Dr. Louie 2. Dr. Eeg 3. Dr. Braun

BEST DAY AT THE SPA 1. Haven Spa 2. Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa 3. The Refresh Spa

RESTAURANTS

SERVICES

FAVOURITE PLACE TO GRAB A DRINK

BEST REAL ESTATE SERVICES

1. Haro’s Restaurant + Bar 2. Prairie Inn 3. The Charles Dickens Pub plus Beacon Landing Restaurant & Lounge

FAVOURITE FAMILY RESTAURANT 1. White Spot 2. Mary’s Bleue Moon Cafe 3. Sassy’s Restaurant

FAVOURITE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 1. Fish on Fifth 2. Sea Glass Waterfront Grill 3. Haro’s Restaurant + Bar

FAVOURITE ETHNIC FOOD 1. Sabhai Thai 2. Thai Corner 3. Good Fortune Restaurant

Thank you for your loyal support and continued confidence in us!

BEST CATERING SERVICES

1. Holmes Realty 2. Pacifica Real Estate Inc. 3. REMAX Camosun

1. Stonestreet Café & Catering 2. Truffles Catering 3. Jazzaniah Café & Catering plus The Roost

BEST LOCALLY OWNED BEER, WINE & SPIRITS STORE

FRIENDLIEST SERVICE 1. Thrifty Foods, Central Saanich & Sidney 2. Cottons & Blues 3. Exist Hairworx plus Salon J

BEST LEGAL SERVICES

1. Sidney Cold Beer & Wine Store 2. Beacon Landing Cold Beer & Wine Store 3. Prairie Inn Cold Beer & Wine Store

FAVOURITE PLACE TO MAKE BEER & WINE

1. Beacon Law Centre 2. Henley & Walden LLP plus Salvador Davis & Co 3. McKimm & Lott

1. Wine by You 2. Peninsula U-Brew Winery 3. Gartley Station

BEST FINANCIAL SERVICES 1. Coast Capital Savings, Central Saanich & Sidney 2. TD Canada Trust 3. RBC Royal Bank

FAVOURITE PLACE FOR A NEW HAIRSTYLE 1. Exist Hairworx 2. Salon J 3. Focus 5000

The 147 th Annual Saanich Fair celebrates the

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PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

Friday, May 30, 2014

Readers’ Choice Awards 2014 • B9

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READERS’ CHOICE AWA R D S

FAVOURITE PLACE FOR A TUNE UP 1. Sidney Tire 2. Steve’s Auto Service plus Midas 3. Clair Downey Service

BEST CUP OF COFFEE 1. Starbucks 2. Toast Café 3. Alexander’s Coffee Bar

BEST BEANS

AGRITOURISM FAVOURITE LOCAL WINERY 1. Muse Winery 2. Church & State Wines 3. Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse

BEST FARM PRODUCE 1. Michell’s Farm Market 2. Silver Rill Corn 3. Dan’s Farm & Country Market

FAVOURITE FARM EVENT 1. Saanich Fair 2. Sidney Street Market 3. Saanich Peninsula Flavour Trails plus North Saanich Farm Market

JAVA JOINTS

1. Alexander’s Coffee Bar plus Starbucks 2. Fresh Cup 3. Toast Cafe

BEST MUFFIN 1. Alexander’s Coffee Bar 2. Toast Café 3. Sidney Bakery

PLACES TO STAY FAVOURITE ACCOMMODATION 1. Sidney Pier Hotel 2. Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa 3. Cedarwood Inn & Suites

FAVOURITE PLACE TO STAY WITH A PET 1. Sidney Pier Hotel 2. Cedarwood Inn & Suites 3. Best Western Emerald Isle

Thank you, readers, for voting Sidney SeniorCare one of your top 3 favourites in the BEST SENIOR HEALTH SERVICES category. o be he t d t Prou ted for ards ina e Aw nom ’ Choic row! ers na Read years i 2

FOR CHILDREN

BEST SENIOR LIVING FACILITY

FAVOURITE KID FRIENDLY ESTABLISHMENT

1. Amica at Beechwood 2. Peninsula at Norgarden 3. SHOAL Centre

1. Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre 2. Panorama Recreation Centre 3. Sassy’s Restaurant

FAVOURITE DAY CARE 1. Discovery House Early Childhood Centre plus Gingerbread Pre-School and Daycare 2. Polly’s Playhouse plus Parachute Express 3. Deep Cove Kid’s Club

FOR SENIORS BEST SENIOR FRIENDLY ESTABLISHMENT 1. SHOAL Centre 2. Glen Meadows plus J Salon 3. Amica at Beechwood

BEST SENIORS’ HEALTH SERVICES 1. Sidney SeniorCare 2. Saanich Peninsula Hospital 3. Beacon Community Services

PET CARE FAVOURITE BOARDING/ GROOMING 1. Puppy Love 2. For Little Paws 3. K9 Country Cottage

BEST PET SUPPLIES 1. Sidney’s Pet Centre 2. Bosley’s Pet Food Plus 3. Reigning Cats and Dogs plus Sidney Feed Barn

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250-652-2301 •• puppylove.ca puppylove.ca •• email: email: info@puppylove.ca info@puppylove.ca 250-652-2301 2918 Lamont Lamont Road, Road, Saanichton Saanichton Minutes Minutes from from Victoria Victoria Airport Airport & & BC BC Ferries Ferries Terminal Terminal 2918

Reader’s Choice Awards 2014 B10 • Readers’ 2014

Friday, May 30, 2014

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

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READERS’ CHOICE AWA R D S

FAVOURITE VETERINARY CLINIC 1. Sidney Animal Hospital 2. Beacon Cat Hospital 3. Garry Oak Vet

FAVOURITE PEOPLE

FAVOURITE LOCAL BAND 1. The Timebenders 2. The Archers 3. Reverie

WE WANT TO KNOW

FRIENDLIEST FIREFIGHTER

BEST PLACE TO MEET A DATE

1. Jim Tweedhope plus Gary Wilton 2. Jon Dodd 3. Jeff Tomlin plus Rob Syverson

1. Haro’s Restaurant + Bar 2. Beacon Landing 3. Sidney Waterfront

TOP CUSTOMER SERVICE REP & WHERE THEY WORK

FAVOURITE PLACE TO CATCH UP WITH FRIENDS

1. Anna Savage, Cottons & Blues 2. Carly Chatwin, Salon J 3. Sarah Haldane, Wine by You

1. Prairie Inn 2. Haro’s Restaurant + Bar plus Starbucks 3. Brentwood Pub

FAVOURITE VETERINARIAN 1. Nigel Bass 2. Dr. Guttormson plus Lorie Clarke 3. Neil Boulton

FAVOURITE PLACE TO HEAR MUSIC 1. Beacon Park Bandshell 2. Haro’s Restaurant + Bar 3. Mary Winspear Centre

Steven Heywood/News staff

PNR sales representative Karen Boudewyn presented the award for favourite outdoor market to Laurie McDermid of the Sidney Street Market (second place) and Clara Knight, representing first place winner, the Saanich Fair.

TO OUR VALUED CLIENTS Thank you for choosing us as one of your favourite real estate companies!

Buying or Selling?

We specialise in Residential, Commercial, Waterfront and Acerages & Farms on the Saanich Peninsula, Victoria and Westshore.

250.656.0911 or Toll Free 1.877.656.0911 Holmes Realty Ltd. 2481 Beacon Ave. Sidney BC V8L1X9

www.HolmesRealty.com

2537 Beacon Avenue (in the Cannery Building) Sidney 250.656.5606 info@waterlilyshoes.com

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

Friday, Friday, May May 30, 30, 2014 2014

Readers’ Reader’s Choice Choice Awards Awards 2014 2014 •• B11 B11

Sidney’s Booktown still a very good read Steven Heywood News staff

The heyday of Sidney’s Booktown, some 18 years ago, saw nearly a dozen book stores of various kinds active in the downtown.

As technology has crept into the domain of the printed word, some of those shops have moved on but there remains a core group of book sellers who have retained the loyalty of readers throughout Greater Victoria.

There’s a strong group of book shops that keep the Booktown idea alive in Sidney and three of them have been recognized by Peninsula News Review readers for their excellence.

Tanner’s Books has topped the list once again this year. A perennial winner of the Readers’ Choice Awards, Tanner’s Books is right in the hub of downtown Sidney with a focus on new books, local authors, magazines and a lot more.

Just up Beacon Avenue is Beacon Books, a favourite local used book store. Another reader favourite, it’s a great place to browse for titles that you might have missed or longed to read.

Around the corner on Third Street sits The Haunted Bookshop, a venerable store with 67 years of history in Greater Victoria. It moved to Sidney 18 years ago during the Booktown boom

Steven Heywood/News staff

The Haunted Bookshop in Sidney.

and to this day has loyal customers coming back for more.

Odean Long, owner of The Haunted Bookshop — Vancouver Island’s oldest antiquarian bookshop — says they brought the store to Sidney since it was her and her late husband’s home town.

“With 10 or 12 other book stores in town at the time, things were very good for book sellers during those years.”

Business has changed over time, she said, but added a few things remain the same — such as the hard work one puts into the business and the retaining good customers. With only five book stores left in Sidney, Long says they still have their niche.

“Our advantage is that we are known, we have been around for so long,” she says. “Customers still shop here and come to us from Greater Victoria.”

They come for the old books and unique collections — and the atmosphere.

Long says she has kept the original decor that has accumulated over the years. The book cases are original from 67 years ago, as are some of the display tables. Paintings on the walls, too, have been hanging for years and despite many, many requests, Long says they are not for sale.

They are part of the atmo-

sphere, she says, making The Haunted Bookshop a favourite, well, haunt.

The name of the shop, Long says, comes from Christopher Morley’s book of the same name, written in 1919.

That name, she adds, sometimes worries some people who might think it’s an occult book store. That’s not the case at all, she says.

The store itself is filled with antique books — Arthur Conan Doyle anyone? — to more modern novels and volumes. There are atlases, pictorals and history books on almost any subject you can think of. And then there are the rafts of fiction hardcovers and children’s books. It’s tempting to spend hours there, poring over each section.

Long says she hopes when people come to The Haunted Bookshop, looking for a specific title, they can find what they are looking for and more.

“It’s about the experience as much as the books,” she says.

Favourite Bookstore: 1. Tanner’s Books 2. Beacon Books 3. The Haunted Bookshop

We serve — you, your neighbours, your friends and your family.

2389 beacon ave. sidney, bc 778.426.0479 www.missblissboutique.ca

ome

oc

It’s our hospital.

st

We truly appreciate your continued support & owe our success to you, our great customers!

sula Hospita n i l en

The Saanic hP

Thank-you for a wonderful year!

f o r g n e ra ti e

on

The Saanich Peninsula Hospital is a vital part of our community and after 29 years of work, we see a strong sense of ownership on the part of residents of the peninsula.

Thank you for voting us your choice for Seniors’ Health Care!

B12 • Readers’ Choice Awards 2014

Friday, May 30, 2014

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

Thank you for voting us the

Peninsula’s Favourite Hair Salon for the past 7 years!

We at team Exist would like to thank the peninsula for all your support over the last 15 years and for acknowledging our dedication to our craft. It is because of you, our wonderful clientele, that we continue to shine.

An appreciation for Friendliest Service touches us deeper than any compliment.

Hours: Tuesday 9 am to 8 pm Wednesday through Friday 9 am to 6 pm Saturday 9 am to 5 pm

Thank you for nominating us as Favourite Women’s and Favourite Men’s Clothing, as well as Friendliest Service again this year, it is an honour.

Proudly serving Sidney a nd t Peninsula he for 35 years !

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Thank you to all our amazing fans for choosing us as your favorite company for Best Real Estate Services! As a local company we are proud to work in and support our vibrant community. We look forward to another year of helping you achieve all of your real estate goals!

Please visit our website for more information about our consultants or just drop-in anytime for a chat & coffee/tea during business hours.

a rs 5 ye r2

The family that trains together, stays together!

ninsula famil Pe ie h s ic

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FAMILY PROGRAMS

Readers’ Choice Awards 2014 • B13

gS aa n

Friday, May 30, 2014

Servin

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

We thank the hundreds of families who have entrusted their children to us and helped to make their Discovery House early learning experience a great success.

At Hot Mama Health & Fitness, we believe that ‘busy mom’ and ‘hot mama’ really can be the same thing. We provide a fun, family-friendly environment where busy Mamas can focus on fitness without having to worry about childcare. You workout, they workout; or you workout and they enjoy supervised play. Fitness for you, with your family.

1989–2014

Come join us for a free drop-in session by mentioning this ad in the Readers’ Choice Awards.

Thank you for nominating Hot Mama Peninsula for “Favourite Place to Break a Sweat”

tel: 250-516-6248 karen@hotmamahealthandfitness.ca www.hotmamahealthandfitness.ca

For information about Discovery House or to register your child, please check us out at discoveryhouse-ecc.org or call 250-655-3345.

Thank You

to all our great clients for allowing us to participate in the care of your pets.

16 YEARS WITH THE SAME LOCAL OWNERSHIP!

Thank you to all our customers, and a special thank you to our staff: Jenn Switzer, Chelsey Minter, Nathalie Jenkins, Meredith Jenkins, Natasha Illi, Megan White, Logan Gibson, Madison Gordon, Jaclyn Richmond, Sky Craig, Walter Alexander, Shay Montgomery, Scott Klausen, Charlotte Helton, and Amanda Lise 9812 Fifth Street (1/2 block from Beacon)

250.656.4022

Dr. Lorie Clarke and Staff

Garry Oak Veterinary Hospital Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry For Cats and Dogs

9837 7th Street

across from Thrifty Foods in Sidney

250-656-3955

www.garryoakvet.com

B14 B14 • • Reader’s Readers’ Choice Choice Awards Awards 2014 2014

Friday, Friday, May May 30, 30, 2014 2014

PENINSULA PENINSULA NEWS NEWS REVIEW REVIEW

Fish on 5th has you hook, line and sinker Steven Heywood

out place on 5th Street, he says. After they took over, the older home section of the building was renovated, effectively expanding the restaurant. Tables were added and the menu grew. A variety of fish dishes are accompanied by salads, wraps and many other options to meet people’s tastes.

Bert says when people come to Fish on 5th, they can expect a personal and sincere experience, good service and good food.

Their reputation has grown over those 17 years in business. These days, whenever visitors to the community ask anyone for a seafood restaurant — it’s Fish on 5th that comes to many people’s minds.

Because of that, Amanda says generations of customers keeping coming back.

“It’s amazing to see people who have either worked here or eaten here, come back with their own kids,” she says.

“We do stay in touch with our past employees and it’s nice to see how they grow and how they have taken on different things,” adds Bert.

The Minters add they hope to provide people with a great dining experience when they come to Fish on 5th.

“We eat out too,” Bert says. “So we have expectations and we know the experience has to be as good as possible.”

News staff

Start with the fish and chips. Most people do, say Amanda and Bert Minter.

But there’s more to Fish on 5th.

The Sidney family restaurant has been a mainstay of the downtown core of the community for 17 years. It has had an impact on the town and many of the young people who grew up and graduated from high school in Sidney. For many young people, Fish on 5th was their first job. And for plenty of others, it became a long-term gig.

Credit the atmosphere of the restaurant, attitude of the owners and their employees and the Minter’s willingness to let their employees do much of the heavy lifting, says Amanda.

“Some of our staff have been with us for six or seven years and one stayed for 11, right out of high school,” Amanda says.

“Over those 17 years, we’ve probably employed 170 people here.”

It’s an opportunity, she continues, for young people to learn the ropes of a new job. Her willingness to give them a lot of leeway and responsibility has also paid off.

“They respond well,” Amanda says. “And our staff get a lot of praise. Our customers are often surprised how these kids can operate on their own and be in charge.”

She said she and Bert lay out their expectations clearly at the start and try to make their employees’ experience as positive as possible.

As a result, Amanda says customers are given a genuine response from their servers.

The influence of their staff has added to the eclectic atmosphere of Fish on 5th —

Amanda and Bert Minter, owners of Fish on 5th in Sidney. named the top seafood restaurant in the 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Bert says the place is fun, with a nautical theme that includes fisherman’s knots on each table — something for the kids to play with. A picture of other knots encourage them to try their hand at others.

Steven Heywood/News staff

Of course, a restaurant has to have good food to keep people coming back year after year.

“Our fish and chips are our mainstay,” says Bert, noting that they are, at heart, a seafood place.

The restaurant started out as a small take

Favourite Seafood Restaurant: 1. Fish on 5th 2. Sea Glass Waterfront Grill 3. Haro’s Restaurant & Bar

Thank you to all of our volunteers and donors, as well as to our customers for voting for us

for 9 years in a row! at the SHOAL Centre

Thank you for voting for us!

Please continue to enjoy our services and programs.

Volunteer Services • Youth Employment Programs • Assisted Living • Food Services, Rental & Catering • Activities & Programs for Improved Health & Well-Being There is so much more happening at Beacon Community Services at the SHOAL Centre.

Drop by for a visit!

New volunteers are always welcome! No experience necessary.

Please call 250-656-3511 or visit www.beaconcs.ca for info.

Beacon Community Services at SHOAL Activity Centre

Furniture Donation Pick-Up: call

“Helping People – Improving Lives”

250.656.6828

250-656-5537 • www.beaconcs.ca 10030 Resthaven Drive, Sidney

9775 Third St., Sidney 9781 Third St., Sidney 9760 Fourth St., Sidney 7105 West Saanich Rd., Brentwood Bay 7060 West Saanich Rd., Brentwood Bay 2676 Quadra St., Victoria 715 Pandora Ave., Victoria

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

Friday, May 30, 2014

Readers’ Reader’s Choice Awards 2014 • B15

Horth Hill is simply the tops Steven Heywood News staff

When it comes to picking their favourite trails, readers of the Peninsula News Review made it very clear in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

Horth Hill was the out-and-out winner in the Favourite Hiking Spot category.

With its ease of access and proximity to many services, Horth Hill is a great choice for a day hike. The park is used by a lot of people — from hikers and walkers to bird watchers, dog walkers and people on horseback. There are a variety of trails within the park, so there are plenty of options for return trips.

Located in North Saanich, Horth Hill was once private property, whose owners allowed people to access the area.

In 2002, The Land Conservancy and Capital Regional District purchased the land and made it an official regional park.

Horth Hill is home to a variety of wildlife — including wild

turkeys and plenty of other bird species. On the ground, there are wetlands, Garry oak, Western red cedar and Douglas fir trees.

Once at the viewpoint of the park, visitors can see all around them: the Saanich Peninsula, Satellite Channel and the Gulf Islands.

Considered a moderate hike, Horth Hill is located off Tatlow Road in North Saanich. To get there, take the Wain Road exit off the Pat Bay Highway north of Sidney. Cross the highway onto Wain Road and turn right onto Tatlow Road.

The park entrance is a short drive away and on the right.

For more, see www.crd.bc.ca.

Favourite Hiking Spot: 1. Horth Hill 2. Dean Park 3. Gowlland Tod Provincial Park

Steven Heywood/News staff

Horth Hill Regional Park (above, left) was chosen by readers as their favourite hiking spot. It’s a gem among great outdoor places on the Saanich Peninsula.

THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL COMMUNITY FOR THE NOMINATION FOR “BEST SENIOR INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTRE”

Sidney’s Best Kept Seniors’ Secret

Thunder From Down Under June 19 & 20 at 7:30PM

Pre-show Cocktail Party 6:00-7:30 $5 drinks and complimentary appetizers. Over 15 vendors with products and services for women!

Holly McNarland July 3 at 8:00PM

Award-winning Canadian signersongwriter with the unique whisperto-a-scream voice

For show, ticket and conference information visit:

TICKETS

(note: The SHOAL Centre is not a nursing home. It is the only seniors centre in town with an on-site public activity centre and a public dining room).

2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney

250.656.0275

www.marywinspear.ca

B16 • Readers’ Choice Awards 2014

Friday, May 30, 2014

PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

Thank you!

Sidney & Central Saanich for your votes of confidence and continued patronage.

We look forward to serving you for years to come!

Sidney 9810 Seventh St 250.656.0946 > Central Saanich 7860 Wallace Dr 250.544.0980 > thriftyfoods.com